Entering a doctor’s office, many patients hope for clear answers to their health concerns. But all too often, they leave with lingering questions: “What did the doctor mean by that?” “Did I understand everything correctly?” “What exactly should I be doing now?” or “Are there any side effects I should watch out for?” In primary care, where doctors manage a busy schedule, time is limited, and these uncertainties can leave you feeling unsure about your next steps. Maximising chair time—those precious few minutes with your doctor can help clear up any confusion and ensure you get the care and understanding you need. The key to making the most of this time? Preparation.
What is “chair time” and why does it matter?
"Chair time" refers to the time a patient spends with their doctor during an appointment. In primary care, where doctors often see multiple patients each day, chair time is a finite resource. Time spent gathering medical history, clarifying symptoms, and explaining concerns could take away from time spent actually diagnosing and treating the issue. Maximising chair time means making every minute count, which ultimately benefits both patient and healthcare provider.
Preparation plays a crucial role in this. When patients come prepared, it allows for more focused, effective discussions, leading to better health outcomes.
“A bit of preparation helps,” says Dr Shariffa, family physician. “Prioritising and listing what is most concerning to them can help, but patients should also be realistic about time constraints. Home readings, such as blood pressure or sugar levels, as well as a food or sleep diary, can be useful when patients present with these complaints. Bringing their medications, taking photos or noting the names of the medicines they’ve taken for their symptoms, can go a long way in helping the doctor prescribe appropriate treatment.”
How maximising chair time benefits you as a patient
Maximising chair time isn’t just about helping your doctor; it also directly benefits you as a patient. Here’s how:
When you come prepared, your doctor has all the necessary information upfront—whether it’s your symptoms, medical history, or concerns. This allows the doctor to focus on diagnosing your issue more quickly and accurately, so you can receive the right treatment sooner. You’re not left waiting for tests or feeling uncertain about your condition.
Being prepared allows you to communicate your concerns more effectively. Instead of scrambling to recall symptoms under pressure, you can clearly express the issues that matter most. This ensures the doctor can focus on what’s most relevant, leading to better, more effective care.
The more transparent and honest you are, the better equipped your doctor is to tailor a treatment plan that works for you. Preparation allows you to share key health information, like lifestyle choices or family history, ensuring your care is personalised to your needs.
When you prepare for your appointment, you feel more in control of your health journey. Understanding your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options gives you confidence in your healthcare decisions. It also builds a sense of partnership with your doctor, which is crucial for the best outcomes.
A well-prepared appointment allows for a more relaxed and productive visit. You’re not scrambling to remember every detail, and you’re more likely to leave the doctor’s office feeling heard and understood. The result is a more positive experience that reduces stress and gives you a clearer sense of direction for managing your health.
Studies show that patients who actively engage in their care, including being prepared, tend to have better outcomes. You’re more likely to follow through on treatment plans, ask questions, and understand your condition, all of which contribute to better long-term health. Plus, when your doctor has all the information, they’re better equipped to monitor and adjust treatments as needed, improving your overall care.
Planning ahead of time can help avoid repeat visits or unnecessary tests. This saves you time and reduces strain on the healthcare system, ensuring appointments focus on your actual health needs.
Dr Shariffa, notes that when patients often come in with multiple concerns, being clear about what matters most can help guide the consultation:
“It helps to start with what’s bothering you most and be upfront about it early in the consultation. Sometimes, what seems less urgent, like a backache you’ve had for a while, might actually be more important to address than a rash that’s been there for two weeks. It’s also important to be aware of the types of tests doctors can perform, as not all tests can uncover diagnoses. Some are used to rule out certain diagnoses.
That’s why I remind my patients to be open and honest. Describe what you’re experiencing. Even symptoms that seem minor or unrelated might point the doctor in the right direction.”
How to describe your condition effectively
To ensure you get the most out of your appointment, it's important to describe your symptoms clearly and accurately. Here are a few tips for describing different symptoms:
1. Be specific about symptoms
Instead of saying “I’m not feeling well,” try to describe your symptoms in more detail. For example:
2. Describe the onset and duration
Tell your doctor when the symptoms started and how long they’ve lasted. For example:
3. Mention triggers and relievers
Point out any factors that make your symptoms worse or better. For example:
4. Use symptom scale
If possible, rate the intensity of your symptoms on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst. For example:
5. Describe the location and type of pain
Be specific about where and how it feels. For example:
Some of the most useful details are often the ones patients overlook. Home blood pressure or sugar readings, for example, can help the doctor make a more informed decision about how to manage a condition. Many people can have higher blood pressure readings in the clinic due to anxiety or stress, but their readings at home may be completely normal, typically below 135/85 mmHg for most individuals. That difference matters and can influence treatment decisions.
Sometimes, patients may not mention that they’ve consulted other doctors for the same concern, which may lead to expectations for a “new” treatment. Similarly, not mentioning which medications have already been tried can limit the doctor’s ability to tailor treatment appropriately. For instance, if antihistamines haven’t helped relieve a runny nose, either a different antihistamine is needed, or it may point to a different diagnosis that requires a different approach.
Supplement use is also worth mentioning, particularly in cases of allergies, diarrhoea, or unexplained rashes, where certain ingredients might be contributing to symptoms.
Asking the right questions
Asking the right questions during your appointment is just as important as preparation. Often, patients leave a consultation with lingering doubts or confusion about their diagnosis or treatment plan. By actively asking for clarification, you ensure that you understand your condition and how to manage it effectively.
Here are a few key questions you can ask:
Trends from wearables or health-tracking apps can be helpful for monitoring a condition over time. However, the accuracy and reliability of such data need to be considered. For instance, some sleep apps may show a high sleep score, while the patient reports feeling unrefreshed the next morning, or the opposite. That’s why it’s important to interpret these readings alongside how the patient actually feels.
It also helps if patients note what they were doing at the time certain readings were recorded. For example, if an irregular heart rate appears after exercise, that context can make a difference in interpreting the data.
How does patient preparation improve the doctor-patient relationship
A strong doctor-patient relationship is key to effective care. When patients come prepared, it enhances the quality of the consultation and fosters mutual respect. Here's how preparation strengthens that relationship:
-
Building trust
Preparation shows you value the doctor’s time and expertise, helping to build trust. This mutual respect sets the stage for a positive, productive relationship.
-
Improved communication
Prepared patients can clearly express their concerns, making it easier for doctors to address the issue. This results in more effective, efficient communication during the appointment.
-
Empowering patients
When you’re prepared, you feel more in control of your health journey. This leads to better decision-making and greater confidence in your treatment plan.
Why isn’t this happening often?
Despite the clear benefits, patient preparation remains a challenge for many. Some patients may not know what information is important to prepare, while others may feel they don’t have time to track their symptoms or review their medical history. Additionally, many healthcare systems don’t provide clear guidance on how to prepare for an appointment.
Healthcare systems must prioritise patient education, offering resources on how to prepare for visits. By empowering patients with this knowledge, we can ensure better health outcomes for everyone involved.
How you can get involved in patient preparation
Ask the right questions
Write down your questions before your appointment. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for clarification on anything you don’t understand.
Track symptoms
Keep a log of any changes in your health—physical, emotional, or mental. This will give your doctor important information that may be difficult to remember on the spot.
Utilise digital tools
Use health apps or online tools to track your medical history, symptoms, and medication. These tools can make it easier to share relevant details with your doctor.
Be honest
Don’t be afraid to open up about your health, including lifestyle choices, mental health, alcohol or tobacco use, diet, or any medications you’re on. The more your doctor knows, the better the care they can provide.
Dr Shariffa highlights that building a more effective relationship with a GP goes beyond the consultation itself and can start with simple, proactive steps.
“Keeping track of home blood pressure or sugar readings, as well as any relevant health data, can help doctors make more informed decisions about ongoing care. If patients have recent or previous lab reports, it’s helpful to email them in advance or bring them along to the consultation, so they can be reviewed where needed.
Even when making an appointment, letting the clinic staff know the reason for the visit allows the doctor to prepare and make the most of the consultation time.”
A few minutes of preparation may not seem like much. But it can mark the start of something more meaningful: a stronger and more collaborative relationship between patient and healthcare provider. When both come to the conversation ready, with the patient prepared to share and the provider ready to listen, care becomes more personal, more effective, and ultimately more human. It’s a small act, but one that helps lay the foundation for better health, together.
Dr Shariffa Syahidah Chishty
Family Physician, Singapore
LinkedIn: Dr Shariffa Syahidah C.
This article was produced by Healthful For You. The views and opinions expressed throughout are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Professional Contributor. The Professional Contributor has provided input solely for the PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT and TIP segments, based on their professional expertise. These comments are intended to offer general guidance and may not apply to all individuals. Any interpretations or conclusions beyond that section are those of Healthful For You. This article is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor or a healthcare professional regarding your specific health needs.
We hope you found this article informative. Healthful For You welcomes contributions from healthcare professionals, patients, and community members. If you have a story, research, or a perspective that can enrich our dialogue, please get in touch with us at [email protected].